Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government Committee

HB 2050

Brief Description:  Delaying the effective date of agency rules.

Sponsors:  Representatives Morell, Quall, G. Chandler, Grant, McMorris, Hatfield, Kessler and Woods.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Delays the effective date of most non-emergency rules until the adjournment of the regular legislative session following their adoption.

Hearing Date:  2/19/01

Staff:  Jim Morishima (786‑7191).

Background: 

Most agency rules take effect 30 days after they are filed with the Code Reviser, unless a later date is specified by statute or in the order of adoption.  Rules can become effective at an earlier date under the following circumstances:

$If the rule is an emergency rule (emergency rules take effect upon filing);

$If the rule is required by the state or federal Constitution, a statute, or a court order;

$If the rule only delays the effective date of another rule; or

$If the earlier effective date is necessary to prevent imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare.

Summary of Bill: 

Most agency rules take effect after the adjournment of the regular legislative session following their adoption, unless a later date is specified by statute or in the order of adoption.  The circumstances under which a rule can become effective at an earlier date remain unchanged.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.